Suspended seat bracket hook device, and methods of constructing and utilizing same

ABSTRACT

A suspended seat bracket hook is a one-piece coated steel part whose upper portion is bent to form a square hook to rest upon a square bar of slightly smaller dimensions. The bottom portion of the bracket hook has a wider part with a channel cut out to enable a web strap to be passed through the bracket hook and secured with the hardware to a cushioned seat.

The present invention relates generally to a suspended seat bracket hook device, and methods of constructing and utilizing same.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel and unique suspended seat bracket hook device, and methods of constructing and utilizing same, which makes it easy to remove and reinstall suspended-type seats used on various types of tree stands.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Up to the present time, many tree stand manufacturers are using a soft, cushioned seat as a seating arrangement on their tree stands. The cushions are suspended from the framework of the tree stand by way of web strap material which is sewn to the cushions and wrapped around the horizontal bars of the framework of a tree stand.

This conventional configuration is intended to keep the seat attached to the tree stand at all times. However, this is not convenient or desirable for hunters using this type of seating arrangement. The hunters often leave tree stands in the woods for several days or more, and often return to a wet, soggy and/or moldy seat.

The prior, but not necessarily relevant, art is exemplified by Sachs U.S. Design Pat. DES. 315,861; Livingston et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,622; Bruce U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,052; and Auer US Patent Application Publication US 2003/0178255.

It is a desideratum of the present invention to avoid the animadversions of the conventional and prior art devices and techniques, and to provide a novel and unique suspended seat bracket hook device which permits the aforementioned types of seats to be easily removed and/or reconfigured in a matter of seconds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel and unique suspended seat bracket hook device, comprising: a one-piece unitary suspended seat bracket hook having a substantially square-shaped three-sided portion for resting upon an external square cross-sectioned bar having slightly smaller dimensions than that of said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion; said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion having a substantially vertically-oriented first side member, a substantially horizontally-oriented upper second side member, and a substantially vertically-oriented third side member; said substantially vertically-oriented third side member of said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion is longer than said first and second side members and extends downwardly to form a strap-securement portion having a channel cut therein through which an external web strap may be passed; and said substantially vertically-oriented first side member has a first end thereof which is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane that extends through at least a portion of said channel in said strap-securement portion.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a suspended seat bracket hook device as described hereinabove, which permits a tree stand seat to be removed and/or reinstalled in seconds.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a suspended seat bracket hook device as described hereinabove, which enables the seat to be put into a waterproof bag in order to ensure a dry seat whenever hunting.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a suspended seat bracket hook device as described hereinabove, which permits easy removal of the seat to prevent unnecessary deterioration by weather and/or ultraviolet light.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a suspended seat bracket hook device as described hereinabove, which enables easy removal of the seat to prevent damage caused by gnawing animals, for example, mice, squirrels, etc.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a suspended seat bracket hook device as described hereinabove, which enables easy removal of the seat to prevent unwanted use by other hunters.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a suspended seat bracket hook device as described hereinabove, which provides special advantages for climbing-type stands. On climbing-type stands, the seat can be removed so that the hunter can have a full view of the base platform while ascending and descending the tree. Being able to see the grip of the base platform makes the use of climbing stands considerably safer.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a suspended seat bracket hook device as described hereinabove, which enables, on some types of tree stands, the seat to be easily reversed so that the hunter is facing the tree. The tree provides additional cover from game being hunted, and the tree can provide a steady rest for the firearm, facilitating more accurate shot placement on animals being hunted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a suspended seat bracket hook device as described hereinabove, which enables, during off-season tree stand storage, the seat to be easily stored in a protective container to prevent damage by mice, other animals, and moisture/mildew.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a suspended seat bracket hook device as described hereinabove, which enables easy seat removal and protection to eliminate the expense of purchasing a replacement seat.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a suspended seat bracket hook device as described hereinabove, which is initially contemplated as an application for tree stand seat use, but which may find applications in other uses which may be unknown at the present time.

The foregoing objects, features, and advantages of the present invention should become more apparent to those persons skilled in this particular area of technology and to other persons after having been exposed to the following patent specification when read in conjunction with the accompanying patent drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a tree stand and seating arrangement utilizing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1 to illustrate how four suspended seat bracket hook devices suspend the soft-cushioned seat.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the suspended seat bracket hook device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a side elevational view of the FIG. 4 embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, there will first be described a first embodiment of the suspended seat bracket hook device 10, 11, 12 or 13 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a tree stand 14 for a hunter and a tree stand seat 15 both of which may be secured to the tree 16 by means of straps 17, 18, 19 and 20 encircling the tree.

FIG. 2 shows four suspended seat bracket hook devices 10, 11, 12 and 13 suspending a soft-cushioned hunter 22 seat from external square cross-sectioned bars 23 and 24.

Each suspended seat bracket hook device 10, 11, 12 or 13 comprises: a one-piece unitary suspended seat bracket hook having a substantially square-shaped three-sided portion 25 for resting upon an external square cross-sectioned bar 23 or 24 having slightly smaller dimensions than that of said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion 25; said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion 25 having a substantially vertically-oriented first side member 26, a substantially horizontally-oriented upper second side member 27, and a substantially vertically-oriented third side member 28; said substantially vertically-oriented third side member 28 of said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion 25 is longer than said first and second side members 26 and 27 and extends downwardly to form a strap-securement portion 29 having a channel 30 cut therein through which an external web strap 31 may be passed; and said substantially vertically-oriented first side member 26 has a first end 32 thereof which is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane 33 (shown in FIG. 5) that extends through at least a portion of said channel 30 in said strap-securement portion 29.

The suspended seat bracket hook device 10, 11, 12 or 13 enables the easy removal and reinstalling of suspended-type seats 22 used in various types of tree stands 15 for hunters.

The suspended seat bracket hook is a one-piece coated component whose upper portion is bent to form a square hook 25 (inverted U-shape) to rest upon a square bar 23 or 24 of slightly smaller dimensions.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the bracket hook device 10, 11, 12 or 13 may be fabricated from steel, or other suitable strong materials.

The bottom or strap-securement portion 29 of the suspended seat bracket hook is preferable, but not necessarily, approximately three times wider than the hook portion 25. This wider portion 29 is provided with a channel 30 cut out approximately in the center thereof.

This channel 30 allows a web strap 31 to be passed through the bracket hook and secured with hardware 34 provided with the web strap 31, which is sewn to the cushioned seat 22.

Because most seats 22 come with four web strap ends, four bracket hooks would be used in the suspension of a single seat 22.

The strap-securement portion 29 has a width thereof which preferably, but not necessarily, is approximately three times the width of said substantially square-shaped, three-sided portion 25 which rests upon the external square-sectioned bar 23 or 24.

Preferably, but not necessarily, at least a major portion of the channel 30 is disposed beneath the substantially horizontal plane 33, which is best viewed in FIG. 5.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the suspended seat bracket hook device is rubber-coated or plastic-coated to eliminate noise while in use.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a suspended seat bracket hook device 40 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used for similar portions of the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

In accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, the suspended seat bracket hook device 40 includes: a Velcro® safety strap 41 which is permanently affixed to an outer surface 42 of said substantially vertically-oriented first side member 26, an outer surface 43 of said substantially horizontally-oriented upper second side member 27, and an outer surface 44 of a major portion of said substantially vertically-oriented third side member 28; said Velcro® safety strap 41 having a free end 45 thereof which is slipped through said channel 30 to hang downwardly when not in use, and to pass under said external square cross-sectioned bar 23 or 24 which said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion 25 rests upon and which is folded up to attach to mating Velcro® surfaces 46 and 47 on said first and/or second side members 26 and 27, respectively, to prevent said suspended seat bracket hook device 40 from lifting off of said external square cross-sectioned bar 23 or 24 inadvertently.

The Velcro® safety strap 41 is bonded or glued to the outer surface 42 of the substantially vertically-oriented first side member 26, to the outer surface 43 of the substantially horizontally-oriented upper second side member 27, and to the outer surface 44 of at least a portion of the substantially vertically-oriented third side member 28.

An actual embodiment of the suspended seat bracket hook device 40 will be described with approximate dimensions and materials.

The web strap 31 from the seat 22 is approximately 2″ wide and the associated hardware comes as part of the tree stand seat 15 and is attached to the suspended seat bracket hook as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The safety strap 41 may preferably, but not necessarily, be a ⅞ of an inch wide by approximately 7″ long piece of Velcro® which is bonded or glued to the outer surfaces of the bracket hook.

The surfaces of the safety strap 41 which are provided with Velcro® material are

The free end 45 of the safety strap 41 is slipped through the slot or channel 30, and can hang straight downwardly when not in use.

When the seat 22 is in use, the free end 45 of the safety strap 41 will pass under the bar 23 or 24 which the bracket sits on, and then the free end of the safety strap is folded up to attach to the mating Velcro® surfaces.

This simple to use Velcro® fastening system prevents the bracket use from lifting off of the bar 23 or 24 inadvertently.

There have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove only two unique and novel embodiments of the present invention which can be practiced and constructed in many different configurations, arrangements of components, sizes, and shapes.

It should be understood that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications will become apparent to those persons skilled in this particular area of technology and to others after having been exposed to the present patent specification and accompanying-drawings.

Any and all such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are therefore covered by and embraced within the present invention and the patent claims set forth hereinbelow. 

1. A suspended seat bracket hook device, comprising: a one-piece unitary suspended seat bracket hook having a substantially square-shaped three-sided portion for resting upon an external square cross-sectioned bar having slightly smaller dimensions than that of said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion; said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion having a substantially vertically-oriented first side member, a substantially horizontally-oriented upper second side member, and a substantially vertically-oriented third side member; said substantially vertically-oriented third side member of said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion is longer than said first and second side members and extends downwardly to form a strap-securement portion having a channel cut therein through which an external web strap may be passed; and said substantially vertically-oriented first side member has a first end thereof which is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane that extends through at least a portion of said channel in said strap-securement portion.
 2. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 1, including: a Velcro® safety strap which is permanently affixed to an outer surface of said substantially vertically-oriented first side member, an outer surface of said substantially horizontally-oriented upper second side member, and an outer surface of a major portion of said substantially vertically-oriented third side member; and said Velcro® safety strap having a free end thereof which is slipped through said channel to hang downwardly when not in use, and to pass under said external square cross-sectioned bar which said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion rests upon and which is folded up to attach to mating Velcro® surfaces on said first and/or second side members to prevent said suspended seat bracket hook device from lifting off of said external square cross-sectioned bar inadvertently.
 3. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 1, wherein: said strap-securement portion has a width thereof which is approximately three times the width of said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion which rests upon said external square cross-sectioned bar.
 4. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 2, wherein: said strap-securement portion has a width thereof which is approximately three times the width of said substantially square-shaped three-sided portion which rests upon said external square cross-sectioned bar.
 5. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 1, wherein: at least a major portion of said channel is disposed beneath said substantially horizontal plane.
 6. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 2, wherein: at least a major portion of said channel is disposed beneath said substantially horizontal plane.
 7. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 3, wherein: at least a major portion of said channel is disposed beneath said substantially horizontal plane.
 8. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 4, wherein: at least a major portion of said channel is disposed beneath said substantially horizontal plane.
 9. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 1, wherein: said suspended seat bracket hook device is rubber-coated or plastic-coated to eliminate noise while in use.
 10. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 2, wherein: said suspended seat bracket hook device is rubber-coated or plastic-coated to eliminate noise while in use.
 11. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 3, wherein: said suspended seat bracket hook device is rubber-coated or plastic-coated to eliminate noise while in use.
 12. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 4, wherein: said suspended seat bracket hook device is rubber-coated or plastic-coated to eliminate noise while in use.
 13. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 5, wherein: said suspended seat bracket hook device is rubber-coated or plastic-coated to eliminate noise while in use.
 14. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 6, wherein: said suspended seat bracket hook device is rubber-coated or plastic-coated to eliminate noise while in use.
 15. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 7, wherein: said suspended seat bracket hook device is rubber-coated or plastic-coated to eliminate noise while in use.
 16. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 8, wherein: said suspended seat bracket hook device is rubber-coated or plastic-coated to eliminate noise while in use.
 17. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 2, wherein: said Velcro® safety strap is bonded or glued to at least a portion of said outer surface of said substantially vertically-oriented first side member, and/or to at least a portion of said outer surface of said substantially horizontally-oriented upper side member, and/or to at least a portion said outer surface of said substantially vertically-oriented third side member.
 18. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 4, wherein: said Velcro® safety strap is bonded or glued to at least a portion of said outer surface of said substantially vertically-oriented first side member, and/or to at least a portion of said outer surface of said substantially horizontally-oriented upper side member, and/or to at least a portion said outer surface of said substantially vertically-oriented third side member.
 19. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 6, wherein: said Velcro® safety strap is bonded or glued to at least a portion of said outer surface of said substantially vertically-oriented first side member, and/or to at least a portion of said outer surface of said substantially horizontally-oriented upper side member, and/or to at least a portion said outer surface of said substantially vertically-oriented third side member.
 20. A suspended seat bracket hook device according to claim 10, wherein: said Velcro® safety strap is bonded or glued to at least a portion of said outer surface of said substantially vertically-oriented first side member, and/or to at least a portion of said outer surface of said substantially horizontally-oriented upper side member, and/or to at least a portion said outer surface of said substantially vertically-oriented third side member. 